Washington father, son waive sexual assault charges

James E. Maskil Jr. and James K. Maskil are escorted into court Wednesday. The sexual assault defendants waived their right to a preliminary hearing.
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A Washington father and son accused of sexually assaulting a girl over a seven-year period waived their charges to court Wednesday.

James Earl Maskil Jr., 43, and James Keith Maskil, 19, had their bond reduced from $50,000 to a percentage bond in exchange for the waiver. Assistant District Attorney Traci McDonald agreed to the bond reduction so the girl, now 14, would not be subjected to the stress of the preliminary hearing in Central Court before District Judge Valarie Costanzo.

The elder Maskil is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children. His son is charged with two counts of rape of a child and one count of indecent assault.

The girl reported the alleged assaults to officials at Washington High School, who in turn notified the authorities. Washington County Children and Youth Services reported the incident to city police.

The reported incidents began in 2005 when the younger Maskil allegedly tried to have intercourse with the girl. He is accused of later raping her on two occasions, including once in 2007. James Keith Maskil was 12 years old when the alleged assaults began, while the girl was just 7.

The girl reportedly confided in the elder Maskil about his son’s actions. He allegedly told the girl that he would “take care of it.”

A short time later, the father allegedly asked the girl for details about his son’s actions. He then allegedly forced the girl to perform a sex act on him. He also reportedly told the girl that if she told anyone, he would punish her or tell others she was lying.

As part of the bond reduction, McDonald emphasized that there is to be absolutely no contact with the girl or her family.